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Rhyme Time
If you're a regular reader of The Natural Resource you might notice we tend to wax poetic about the approach of autumn. The season seems to bring out the Longfellow in us as we write about the crisp, cool air or the color and crunch of the turning leaves.
Fall isn't here yet. But maybe it's time to start flexing our creative muscles with the highest form of poetry we know—a limerick:
There once was a company founded by Ben Where great service was something on which to depend. It was widely known, both far and near This was the place for all your fall gear So you won't need duct tape for equipment to mend.
It's a start. But something seems to be missing. How about a haiku?
Swiftly autumn comes Your gear cries out for relief Time now to call Ben
Nope. That's not it either. What about something like this?
Roses are red Violets are blue Summer is almost over So you'll definitely want to check out all the great products Ben Meadows has to replace your worn out equipment.
Okay, so we're not poets. But we are the experts when it comes to bringing you the products you need to make you as effective as possible no matter what the season.
Check out the website or give us a call (1-800-241-6401). And while you're at it, maybe you'd like to write a verse or two of your own. Send us a poem about autumn and Ben Meadows. It doesn't have to be good; just clean. Who knows, you may see it here or on our Facebook page. You can send your poem to this address: editor@benmeadows.com
In the meantime we'll be here, waiting for the trees to turn and maybe a little inspiration from you for our next limerick.
Gary Ben Meadows Team Leader g.clark@benmeadows.com
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Pesticide and Sprayer Storage
Whether applying pesticides on a farm, in the forest or even around the house, there are specific application and safety guidelines to follow. However, storage, cleaning and disposal of your pesticides and sprayer equipment are just as important as following the application instructions. This article will help answer a few common questions on proper storage and disposal of pesticides and sprayer equipment.
Please note that this information is no substitute for following manufacturer labels and instructions. ALWAYS read and follow the instructions shown on a product's label, instruction manual and material safety data sheets (MSDS).
What do I do with any left over pesticide? Do not pour it down the sink, toilet, street drain, on the ground or toss it in the garbage. This can end up polluting waterways, groundwater or cause problems with stormwater and waste treatment facilities. The best way to dispose of excess pesticide is to use it (while still following the application instructions). If you cannot properly use it, store it for later use or take it to a hazardous waste collection facility. You can usually find out if your community has one by contacting your local health department or solid waste facility.
What is the "Triple Rinse" rule? Once the pesticide is used up, there will usually be a small amount left in the container. Before tossing the container, this small amount of chemical needs to be rinsed out and used. The proper way to do this is filling the container part way up with water or rinse solution, placing the cap back on, swirling the liquid to dilute the remaining concentrate and then pouring it into your sprayer or applicator to be used. Follow this procedure three times ensure a proper cleaning of the container and then crush or puncture the container to render it unusable. The container can then be recycled or disposed of.
How and where should I store any remaining pesticide? Always store the pesticide in its original container. The original container label lists the chemicals, instructions and safety information for the pesticide. Keep the container closed tightly, out of reach from children and pets and away from living areas. Also, make sure the storage area is well ventilated and away from ignition sources. Choose an area which would contain the pesticide if spills or leaks occur, so there would be no contamination of drains, groundwater or surface water. Reduce the need for storage by only purchasing the amount you need.
How should I store my sprayer? Never keep pesticide in your sprayer. Thoroughly rinse your sprayer tank with water after use and spray water through the tubing and nozzles to clear out any pesticide. If possible, use different sprayers for different pesticides to limit cross contamination and chemical reactions between pesticides. Keep O-rings and gaskets lubricated with silicone grease and store in a dry place out of direct sunlight. If storing in a shed or some place where temperatures can drop below freezing, make sure it is fully drained and dried so expansion from ice does not damage any parts. Before using a sprayer after it has been stored, make sure it is properly lubricated and run some water through it to check for leaks and to see if it is spraying properly.
What should I do if a pesticide is spilled? The first thing to do is call for help if you think you will need it. Put on personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, respirators, safety glasses and chemical resistant clothing. Then check the pesticide's label for important safety and cleanup information. If the label states that more PPE is required for handlers, then put on the additional required PPE. Next, check for any immediate hazards such as electrical cords, flames or running equipment. Once these hazards are clear you can control the spill by turning a tipped container upright or you can place a broken container into a larger container. Once this is done, work quickly but safely to keep the spill from spreading. This can be done by surrounding the spill with absorbent pads or other materials, blocking it from spreading. Once the spreading of the pesticide is stopped, check the MSDS for proper cleanup. This will usually include soaking the remaining pesticide up with absorbent material, but in most cases water should never be used. Water can spread the spill and make it worse. It is important to remember that safety comes first. Don't skimp out on PPE and never leave a spill unattended. Have safety and first aid information easily accessible in areas where pesticides are used and stored. If a spill cannot be fully cleaned up (for example it has soaked into soil), contact your local health or environmental department as soon as possible to report any environmental contamination.
Sources: The EPA's Storage Regulations Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Training Manual: Forestry – Commercial Category 2.0 – Sixth Edition. University of Wisconsin Extension. January 2009.
The Natural Resource Editor's Challenge! Last month we asked this question: What are we giving away on the cover of our latest catalog?
Shawn from Dover, DE knows we're giving away a FREE BACKPACK with your $349+ order from our JF1, 2011 catalog. Don't have a copy? You can check out our eCatalog version
We're sending Shawn a LEATHERMAN® Blast® Multi-Tool with Leather Sheath!
Now here's the question: The Munsell Rock Color Chart uses how many color standards to help you communicate exact color information? If you know, send us the correct answer before October 10, 2011. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a LEATHERMAN® Blast® Multi-Tool with Leather Sheath (a $53.00 value)! Be sure to include your name, mailing address and how best to contact you. Send your answers to: editor@benmeadows.com
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Open to Ben Meadows business-to-business customers who are legal U.S. residents. Government and healthcare customers are not eligible. Complete contest rules available.
The goal of The Natural Resource is to provide accurate information on the subject matters covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. Therefore, the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication. GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. P.O. Box 1368, Janesville, WI 53547-1368, USA Tel: 800-356-0783 Fax: 800-543-9910. *OWNERSHIP OF SUBMISSIONS By sending letters, email, images, messages, suggestions, ideas, or concepts (each, a "Submission"), whether unsolicited or solicited, to Ben Meadows you are granting the Company a royalty-free, nonexclusive, perpetual, unrestricted, worldwide license to publish, transmit, perform, display and otherwise use the Submission for any purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotional purposes. No credit or compensation is due to you for such use. The Company also has the right, but not the obligation, to use your name, city and state in connection with print, online or other use or publication of your submission. All submissions become the property of Ben Meadows and may be edited for use.
© 2012 GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. Reference Number: WB0000
